The South African university driving electric car adoption

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is stepping up its own involvement in local electric mobility through its Centre for Automotive and Electric Vehicle Innovation (CAEVI).

Through this centre, the university hopes to build a multidisciplinary platform that goes beyond research papers, with an aim to position South Africa as a serious player in Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) transition.

“South Africa cannot afford to be a spectator in the global EV revolution,” said Dr Samuel Gqibani, the Director of UJ’s CAEVI.

“We must develop local solutions, build local skills and create a mobility system that is cleaner, more affordable and inclusive.”

“The transition to electric mobility must be engineered in South Africa, for South Africa, in ways that strengthen our economy, empower our communities and advance long-term environmental sustainability.”

The purpose of the centre is more than just research, and instead brings together students and researchers from various backgrounds to drive South Africa’s transition from internal combustion cars to EVs.

Rather than waiting for global new energy vehicle (NEV) prices to decrease, the centre is instead working towards conversion solutions, transforming existing petrol and diesel vehicles into electric alternatives.

This approach reduces lifecycle emissions while extending vehicle lifespans in a practical, cost-effective way that could electrify public transport fleets and small logistics operators.

It also strengthens local manufacturing capability, which stimulates industrial growth and accelerates technical skills development.

Research at the centre spans the entire electric mobility ecosystem, including advanced battery diagnostics, thermal management, second-life battery applications, vehicle-to-grid systems, and smart charging technologies.

Researchers also look into the economic, regulatory and industrial dimensions of EV adoption, ensuring that technological innovation translates into national competitiveness, job creation and policy implementation.

Dr Gqibani explained that the electric mobility CAEVI is driving is not only a technological shift, but a societal one.

“If we get this right, we will reduce carbon emissions, unlock new industrial opportunities, create jobs for young engineers and technicians, and ensure that the benefits of the green transition reach communities that have been historically excluded from high-technology sectors.”

Real-world application

Much of the CAEVI’s work is already translating into real-world innovation and application.

One of its most significant projects is the full conversion of a petrol tuk-tuk into a fully-electric vehicle, which Dr Gqibani called a deliberate intervention that tackles South Africa’s EV market affordability challenges.

“We are demonstrating that electric mobility does not have to depend on expensive imports. It can be designed, engineered and assembled locally,” he said.

To achieve this, the entire system needs to be overhauled, including an all-new powertrain and integration, battery architecture, and thermal management.

Charging solutions which include solar energy integration also need to be considered.

“It is being executed according to rigorous engineering standards, safety protocols and regulatory requirements,” said Dr Gqibani.

“It proves that sustainable mobility can be practical, scalable and economically relevant, while building local expertise and advancing our climate commitments.”

The centre allows students, technicians and emerging researchers to be directly involved in all stages of development, including design, procurement, integration, testing and commissioning.

CAEVI is also working on research into smart charging systems, grid stability, renewable integration and fleet optimisation.

This way, the centre hopes to ensure that its electrification efforts are not only environmentally responsible but also economically sustainable at scale.

“Over the next five years, we intend to support at least 10 municipalities with structured EV infrastructure planning and contribute to the conversion of more than 200 vehicles through focused pilot programmes,” Dr Gqibani added.

“We also aim to train more than 1,000 youth and technicians annually. This is about building real capacity on the ground and ensuring South Africa is ready for a just and inclusive energy transition.”

He explained that electric mobility must translate into a measurable impact, adding that it must reduce emissions, unlock industrial opportunity and create sustainable livelihoods

“Our work is about turning innovation into practical solutions that strengthen communities and drive long-term environmental and economic resilience,” he concluded.